What are some causes of medial knee pain?
Injury
Pain to the inner knee due to increased activity causing wear and tear, excessive force/strain or trauma from an accident or fall.
Bursitis
Pain in the medial knee due to the bursa (fluid-filled sac that allows lubrication of the joint) becoming inflamed.
Medial collateral ligament sprain
A sprain, twisting or tearing of the medial collateral ligament will cause inner knee pain generally due to injury - a blow or force to the lateral aspect of the knee.
Medial meniscus tear
A tear of the medial meniscus causes pain in the inner knee due to a tear in the protective cartilage that lines the knee joint.
Osteoarthritis A degenerative condition that causes the knee cartilage to wear down.
What are some risk factors for medial knee pain?
Poor biomechanics/muscle tightness/poor footwear/sustained injury.
What are some symptoms that I may experience with medial knee pain?
Aching or sharp pain during exercise and activities that repeatedly bend the knee, such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, or squatting or after sitting for a long period of time with your knees bent.
Pain related to a change in activity level or intensity, playing surface, or equipment.
Popping or crackling sounds in your knee when climbing stairs or when standing up after prolonged sitting.
Redness, swelling around the medial aspect of the knee.
The quadriceps muscles on the painful leg may appear reduced in size, especially the vastus medialis oblique on the inside of your knee. This may cause tightness in the outer muscles of your leg such as the iliotibial band.
Reduced knee range of motion in flexion and extension.
What will the podiatrist do to help my pain?
Patella taping with K-tape OR recommending the use of a knee brace
To offload the knee and reduce pain
Ultrasound / Laser therapy
To reduce pain and swelling/inflammation in the medial aspect of the knee
Dry needling or shockwave therapy / Interferential therapy
Dry needling and shockwave therapy is used to stimulate blood flow for healing, break down scar tissue and trigger collagen production. Interferential therapy is used to retrain muscles affected by the injury and pain as well as reduce swelling in the knee joint.
RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) including anti-inflammatories oral/cream
Coming up with a customised rehab program to suit your needsÂ
Stretching and strengthening exercises such as
Isometric strengthening e.g. straight leg raises
Wall squats
Weighted leg extensions
Orthotics
Customised foot inserts made to alter foot posture to offload stress and load on the medial aspect of the kneeÂ
Footwear advice and recommendations
We aren’t just a podiatric practice - we are well-versed in appropriate podiatric footwear for your condition, and also supply orthotic friendly footwear that will help your feet and knees!
If you are suffering from pain and discomfort in your knee, what are you waiting for? Contact one of our friendly podiatrists today on 1800 778 316 or click below!
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